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Monday, 2 February 2009

"Be still and know that I am God"

It is one of those rare moments where the house is still…

Oops, even as I type this, I hear my three month old grunting his warning of waking for another impending feeding. Perhaps you find yourself in this same situation? As a mother of four, the notion of “Be still and know that I am God” is a luxury I look forward to even more than my weekly shower! I find myself struggling with the duty of being Christ-like in parenting my little ones while running off of little to no sleep and not recognizing my own reflection in the mirror. How do I devote my heart to God and offer Him up my day despite the chaos that seems to surge all around me? Where can I find that stillness and seek His guidance as I step on toys, trip on some un-folded laundry (again) and plan our next meal? I find myself quick to keep the grocery list updated but my own heart for God is hushed and brushed aside with an “I’ll deal with you later” notion. It dawns on me how “worldly” a thought that is. How ironic to be so consumed by the tasks of this world that I should be the one to push God away… What if I were to take on God’s “to-do” list? What if I had the task of caring for BILLIONS of His children? Yet never once does He tell me “I don’t have time for you right now.”

Every so often, I close my eyes and delve into a peaceful place in my heart… Chaos still reigns all around me, but as the sounds drift away, I am led to a beautiful forest with a sparkling brook running through it. I envision God’s light streaming down and giving life to all creation. The brook itself seems to flow with some ethereal fluid as though it were carrying LOVE in liquid form. It is the most life-giving place where I can meet with Him… where I am finally STILL… and REMEMBER that He is God. The wind dances across a field of tall grass and the sound reminds me of waves on the ocean. There is so much peace here and I am reminded that NOTHING else matters outside of this: my connection, my devotion, my love for God. All too quickly, the sound of a child crying brings me back and I am left with that feeling of “wow, I have GOT to do that more often.”

I get that same feeling after I’ve dragged myself outside for a jog or lasted through my entire kickboxing video… “Wow, this feels so good! Why do I ever fight doing this?”

So for all you moms out there who find it challenging to meet with God, I offer you a friendly reminder that you needn’t pack up the kids and load them into a vehicle nor do you have to get out of your pjs and do your hair & makeup. To meet with God is to be still within your own mind. No appointment required. No grocery list, folding or presoak needed!

I offer up this prayer to find each of you mothers:Blessed Father… You are so gracious in your patience. You have gifted us mothers with the care of your special children and I ask for your strength, wisdom and patience to love them as you love us. May we find rest in the brief moments of peace that come our way. May we find purpose in the tasks that can seem mundane and fruitless. And may you give us the eyes to see the blessings of our hectic lives. Thank you for our health and our children’s health and for the help you send our way. Thank you for always waiting to meet with us. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

About Me

I like to laugh at myself, wear my heart on my sleeve, volunteer way too much info, and hug people! I'm an eternal optimist and value honesty at all cost. My husband and I are passionate about growing our food organically, growing in our faith, and delighting in the blessing of our children. I have stumbled enough to learn that I am stronger than I realize. I forgive because I know what it means to be forgiven. Key life events that shaped my life are: getting pregnant with Melina at fifteen, still graduating alongside my peers , marrying too young, Isabel's early arrival (27 weeks), the day Izzy was in the resuscitation room, the support of my family, the devastation of bankruptcy, a painful divorce, working three jobs to feed my kids, reaching a point of self-sustenance in my life, and meeting my soul mate whose honesty and integrity earns my respect and love more so every day. A few years later, a few kids later (Anika, Ethan, Sivana & Avalyn), some with significant health issues of their own, life is abundant in its blessings and I delight in sharing our family's journey (good and bad) every step of the way!